(1000!!! holy shit that's insane alksdjf)
They continue their lazy morning, weaving through the shops and striking up pleasant conversations with strangers (though it's Bel doing that far more than Nico. Bel's never been one to turn down a promising conversation.) A few things catch his eye, but not enough to purchase them. Maybe he should? After all, he has so much money and more than enough room to store them–plus, he could replenish his hobbies. The only things he has from a past life are his lute and his mother's book. Everything else is still lost with his wrecked carriage somewhere deep in the woods. How long ago had that been?
While Bel's enthralled with speaking with a man about cooking (both speaking in rapid fire Blakkian), an elderly woman behind a large glass stand catches Nico's eye. She nods to him and then to her massive case. A jeweler, one that specializes in rings.
Nico followed behind Bel as a quiet presence. He didn't speak to anyone. He was quiet, observing. He was taking in this new place and searching for any threats. He had a dagger hidden on his person, not that he would tell Bel that, and wasn't afraid to use it if necessary. But no one seemed to spare them a second glance. He watched Bel continued to eye products but never buying anything. Nico wondered why that was. He knew his fiance had expsenive tastes and liked to shop. There shouldn't have been anything preventing him from it. But they could always return and purchase anything that had caught Bel's eye.
As Bel is speaking with a man in a language he didn't understand, he turned his head and surveyed around them. He caught the eye of a woman looking at him, then at her wares. Jewelry. Specifically rings. Keeping one eye on Bel, he wandered over to the rings, keeping his hands clasped behind his back, and began to look at them all.
Bel is so lost in conversation, he doesn't even notice when Nico pulls away from his side to cross the street. Bel laughs, covering his mouth on instinct, and responds to the shopekeeper's jest with his own. It's a comfortable environment, one that Bel's been robbed of for far too long. A pang of sadness rings through his chest. He could've been out to the markets of Araniel having conversations just like this. He could've been making friends and connections since he was a boy, but he wasn't even allowed to leave the palace walls without an escort. For the longest time he had thought it was for his own protection, but he's starting to believe that it was his father trying to protect himself.
The woman smiles as Nico approaches. Her face is old, practically wilted with age. Her hair, however, is a long, healthy silver, not a bit of it brittle nor breaking. She's not even missing a tooth when she begins to speak in an accented voice. "Hello there, sir," she begins. "I've noticed your emotions are… high." She clears her throat. "I am no mage, but I've always been attuned to strong feelings of others. Yours are particularly strong." She gestures to her wares, to her necklaces and rings. All of them are in matching pairs, the gemstones on them perfect matches to their twins. "I channel those strong emotions of others into my craft."
With her long, wrinkled hands, she pulls out a set of rings. Silver and blue. "These rings are connected. When one wearer feels a particularly strong way, you'll be able to sense it." The gemstones gleam in the morning light. "They're particularly useful when you're separated, for the magic knows no distance." Her eyes twinkle, a deceptively young shine. "And they'll always help you find your way back to your match."
(I was wondering why you handt responded and then I realized I hadn't responded. Whoops!)
Nico watched Bel for a moment, smiling softly as he heard his laughter. And while it bothered him he felt the need to cover his mouth, he prayed one day Bel would feel comfortable enough to be open with himself. To not hide as he ate or as he laughed. And prayed that he woukd be the one to be able to help him get there.
He turned his attention to the woman, never quite turning his back to Bel and keeping one eye on him. Just in case. And mostly habit. He listened intently, his eyes sparkling as looked at all the jewelry. This was something that Bel would like. Not just because it was beautiful jewelry, but because of what into it. That the woman coukd channel the emotions into said rings. A part of his love would always be with Bel. And that made him smile. He also liked that he wouks be able to find Bel if parted. It gave him some sense of relief. He knew he should let Bek be and do as he pleased, but Nico was protective and a little possessive and he just wanted to know. Just in case anything happened.
He looked at the set, examining it. Bel loved blue. He remembered the suit he had bought for him, a wonderful shade of blue. It woukd be perfect. He looked up at the woman, nodding his head. "How much?" He asked.
(aldskfj no worries!)
The woman smiles, her lips curling as she stares at Nico, watches how his sight never leaves Bel across the street. "I think my prices for magical goods are fair–" she carefully pulls the set of rings from their display boxes and into shinier, velvet ones. Her wrinkled hands stack the boxes atop of each other. "Five hundred for the set, plus there's an included warranty if anything were to unfortunately happen to these rings."
She slides the boxes over to the blond. "I can tell that you love him, my boy, but let me warn you that love is a blinding, dangerous thing. Do not let this one prince stand in the way of the greater good. I say this for your sake, for his sake, and for the entire kingdom you're trying to salvage." Her eyes glimmer with knowledge, with wisdom, with decades and decades of experience. "I've seen far too many good monarchs fall because they refused to acknowledge the bad in those they love." She pats Nico's hand. "Good luck, my boy. May the gods be on your side." After she accepts the payment, she disappears into the door of her shop, leaving Nico with the rings and a bit of unsolicited advice.
Just barely noticing Nico's absence, Bel perks up, excusing himself from his conversation to search the surrounding area. He's not concerned for Nico, he's just–well, he doesn't want to spend the rest of their morning alone.
Nico didn't balk at the price. He hadn't even blinked. He simply. Handed over the coin and taken the two rings instead. He pocketed them, wanting to hide then Bel until he was ready. He may have blurted out his proposal one day but now, he would do it the right way. He had the rings. He would need to do some planning and perhaps ask Sella where a good place would be to propose.
He stared at the woman as she spoke, an eyebrow raised. Despite her words, he disregarded them. Nico woukd do anything for Bel, eveb sacrificing his own kingdom. He would let the world burn before he left anything happen to Bel. He loved him too fiercely. And if that meant he woukd be a terrible ruler then he would hand the crown over to someone else. But he believed that love was what made him a great leader. He loved his people dearly.
He smiled as he noticed Bel coming his way. Strode towards him, meeting him halfway. He tucked the prince to his side and plopped a kiss on top of his head. "What did you talk about my love?"
(ACK SORRY I WENT CAMPING AND HAD NO SERVICE FOR MOST OF THE TRIP)
Bel takes a look at the shops behind Nico, briefly wondering what he could've potentially bought, but between all the different options, Bel gives up on trying to figure it out. He smiles into the kiss, positioning his head to rest softly on Nico's shoulder. "Just a little of everything. The man is a storyteller, one that's been around for a few decades." He had wisdom to share, tales to tell, and a joy in his elderly eyes that Bel aspires to hold in his own someday. "We talked of the kingdom, of the people and culture. He also gave me a decent recommendation for a waterfall hike if you'd like to take it."
Bel laces his fingers with Nico's, humming happily as they continue on their way through the multitude of shops. The back of his teeth taste like the spices that coated his breakfast, luckily washing out the unpleasant taste of his medicine from that morning. He'll have to inquire more on the sickness that plagues his family. At least some of his cousins might have it. They'll likely know how to prevent further attacks. Bel swings their hands between them as they continue to browse. The prince smiles at children and marvels at the hand-sewn goods. He would just love to buy the entire market. Perhaps when they arrive back in Araniel and Bel will actually be allowed to do so, he would love to become a patron for some artists and fund programs in the town for children to foster their creativity.
(You're fine haha)
Nico was not going to tell Bel what he got him. He wasn't going to tell him at all. Even though Bel had already agreed to marry him, he still deserved a proposal. A right one. And that was what he would do. He would make it something worthy of a prince and his lover. Bel deserved nothing less. He looked down at him, smiling as he listened. A waterfall. If he could squeeze the name out of Bel he could go there ahead of time and set things up. He would need a little help, of course. But he was excited.
Nico squeezed his hand as they traveled through more shops. He watched as Bel's eyes lit up anytime he saw children wandering around. It made him want his own. With Bel. However way it was possible. He wanted a future with Bel. A bright and big one. A big family, with all of their friends and relatives. He finally tugged Bel into his side until they were almost tripping over one another. "You know we do have to go into a store and buy some new clothes right? And shoes."
The noise, the people, the familiar place that's been more of a home than Araniel has ever been–Bel finds himself entirely at ease, breathing in the fresh air and wandering amongst the people. The beautiful Blakkian peaks surround them, the kingdom perfectly nestled in a valley shrouded by mountains. The peaks are snow-capped, the water draining in beautiful rivers all the way down to the gorgeous waterfalls. He always wished he could explore them as a child, now he's just excited to see them with Nico.
Bel sighs and knocks his head against Nico's shoulder. "Yes, love, I know. I've just been busy marveling at the shops and such." They're slowly making their way through the market side of the city and more into the part with actual brick and mortar shops, ones that would more likely house finer, sturdier clothing for them. "Lets try this shop–" Finding a particular window display that entices him, Bel quickly drags Nico towards the door. He pauses with a smile to let a mother and her son exit before slipping inside. It smells of flowers and the air is cooler than outside. Behind the desk is a young woman with lots of piercings in her ears and long brown hair. She waves and welcomes them.
"See anything you like?" Bel inquires as he plucks are particularly ridiculous hat from a stand. It's a garish pink with far too many feathers to be acceptable, but still, Bel places it right on Nico's head for the fun of it.
Nico chuckled softly, dropping another kiss on his head. "I know you are. We've got all day out here. We can meet with your family for dinner. So look as much as you want too. We can stop for lunch somewhere when we're hungry." He knew his wallet would be significantly lighter after this outing. But it wasn't as if he didn't have more to grab either. It would be coming with the rest of their party.
He followed Bel as he grabbed him into a clothing shop. It wasn't exactly his style but then again he didn't have much of a style. He wore mostly riding clothes and fighting leathers. Occasionally steel armor. But leather allowed him to have more mobility and flexibility and he preferred that. But this was the store that Bel chose and so he would go inside. He let Bel place that ridiculous pink on his head. He scrunched up his face, placing his hands on Bel's hips and squeezing. "Definitely not this, my love." He bent his head to kiss his lips.
The face Nico makes is absolutely wonderful. The situation is so simple, so light-hearted and blissfully domestic–gods, Bel can't wait for the violence to be over. He can't wait to lay in bed without a care in the world, to go about his hobbies without the guilt of better spent time looming over him. Bel laughs, accepting the kiss willingly. He leans into it, pulling himself up on his toes to deepen it. He pulls away, a smile on his face. "Well, I find that hat rather charming, if I'm being honest. It matches your eyes." Keeping the hat on Nico's head, Bel turns and fascinates himself with the rest of the racks.
There are nice coats, soft shirts, trousers with plenty of pockets–one of the pairs particularly remind him of one pair he had back when he lived in Araniel. He used to keep all sorts of his gardening tools in the pockets, a spade in one of the loops. He could spend hours in his little garden, tending to the flowers and vegetables. "Do you like gardens?" He finds himself asking Nico, pulling away from the nice leather coats.
Nico moved one hand to cup the side of Bel's neck, his hand so big he covered part of his jaw and cheekbones. The other remained tight on his hip. Despite the ridiculous hat he was wearing, he was ecstatic to be kissing Bel. And out in public where everyone could see. He didn't have to hide here and it felt wonderful. He shook his head with amusement, taking the hat off once Bek turned his head and returning it to its spot. Then he walked up behind Bel and wrapped his arms around him from behind. Perhaps this was why they didn't get much shopping done either. Nico couldn't stop touching Bel. But in his defense, he had almost lost the man.
"Hmm," he mumbled as he kissed the side of his head. "I think they're beautiful but that I should never touch one. I have the opposite of green thumb. Everything I plant dies." He looked down at Bel. "Would you like a garden?"
Bel leans back into Nico. It's clear that his love language is physical touch from how huffy he gets when Bel is away and how clingy he gets whenever he's nearby. Bel's never one to push away, for when Nico's with him, it also checks off his love language–simple, quality time. Val's way of showing love is the same. When the siblings are together, they just sit in the same room, happily going about their own tasks and enjoying being in the same vicinity as each other. Treya is gifts showing up every so often in their rooms. Miran's was harder for Bel to decipher, but he ultimately decided on acts of service. When the heir silently cleared Bel's dishes for him, Bel interpreted it as his own, quiet I love you.
"I had one back home." Home almost feels strange to say. Is the castle in Araniel really his? "I spent hours in there gardening. I also had a small tea garden on my balcony. I always woke up to the most wonderful smells." He finds himself smiling at the memory. "I had flowers too. Hyacinths have always been favorites of mine." He wonders if anyone tended to it in his absense. Mathilde has always been far too busy with her own tasks to take on Bel's meager hobbies. As soon as he's safe, he'll happily start it up again.
Looking back to the jackets, Bel finds a rustic white leather coat, well-insulated and with plenty of pockets. He reaches forward to feel at the material, sleek and expensive. He doesn't even want to check the price tag. Not that it's a concern of his, but rather he knows it doesn't matter. If Nico even as much notices Bel taking a liking to an object, he'll buy it immediately. Bel could almost laugh.
Nico smiled into Bel's hair as he leaned back against his chest. He wanted to touch him at all times. Any chance he got, even if it was just a hold of the hand or a brush of the arm as they passed, he needed to touch him. And Bel certainly didn't seem to mind it. Especially when he worshipped his body. Such thoughts were now flooding his head and a certain appendage began to grow and press up against Bel. He only grinned. It woukd depend how Bel was feeling later that would depend what they would do. He had just been on death's door.
His thumb brushed against his chest, moving his head so he was able to see Bel. He listened quietly as Bel spoke. "Then we shall build you a new garden when we take our home back. You will have access to all the seeds you could ever want." And ge would watch. From a distance so he didn't accidentally kill anything with his nearness.
He looked down at the jacket Bel was fiddling with. He would buy it for him if he liked it. He would buy Bel anything he ever wanted, even if it meant Nico had to go without some things himself. "Take it," he murmured in his ear. "I know you want it."
"You're excited," Bel murmurs, pushing back just a little before stepping away. He grabs the coat from the rack in one swift motion before pivoting to face Nico. He takes a step forward, briefly connecting their lips before whispering "later." They still have to find some clothes that fit them and then Bel promised himself he would fix his hair. As much as he would love to spend some quality time with Nico, he has to put it at the bottom of his to-do list. Can't blame a man with a mission.
Bel finds a nice pair of black trousers, straight legged and fitting around the thighs, and then a baby blue dress shirt with simple white buttons. It should go nicely with his new coat. He drapes them over his arm, but still continues to browse with Nico following closely behind him. Nico needs new clothes as well, and gods forbid Bel will let the man dress himself. If he could pick, Nico would live his life in beige leather armor. Bel turns again to face Nico, studying him briefly to figure what colors would best suit him.
"Only for you my darling," Nico murmured right back. He squeezed his hips before Bel had the chance to step away from him. he slid his hands in his pockets, subtly adjusting himself while Bel grabbed the jacket off the rack. He smiled and hummed softly into the kiss. "I can wait." He would wait as long as Bel needed. If he wasn't feeling physically up to it, he was content with just holding him and going to bed, despite having an issue. And they had other things to do as well. Things he was looking forward to doing, like his hair.
Nico raised his eyebrow as Bel turned to face him, almost analyzing. "Planning on dressing me up?" He could already see the gears turning in his head what would suit him best. He trusted Bel's judgment. Whatever he gave Nico he was sure would work just fine. Nico didn't care. He would wear white peasant shirts and dark trousers and his leather every day if he could. But that might very well make Bel's head explode so better to let his prince take care of his wardrobe.
"Absolutely," Bel answers with a smile. "Always looking for an opportunity to… improve your fashion sense." He looks at the ill-fitting clothes. Large. Bel finds it ridiculous that some people just lob all sorts of clothes into just three different sizes. Large could easily qualify as tall or wide and there's no way to split the difference. Infuriating. Maybe Bel should open up his own tailor shop. He would have to find the time to hone his sewing skills. Perhaps he'll try and get himself a machine at some point. Mathilde has one in her quarters that she uses to patch intense tears. "Or lack of, for a better word, love."
"Do you have thoughts on lavender? The color, not the flower." He spots a soft violet shirt on a rack across the aisle, Bel almost leaping to grab it. It's what Nico would describe as large and Bel could always make small adjustments to have it fit nicer around the abdomen and shoulders. White pants, but those get dirty easily, so maybe they could go for the contrast of black. He finds a dusty pink color shirt about the same style as the lavender. "Pink?"
Nico laughed softly, shaking his head. He'd never had much of a reason to dress nice. He had always been at war, fighting battles and constantly moving around. It wasn't really the prime time to focus on his fashion sense. "Well it's a good thing that i trust your judgment." He leaned forward to kiss the top of his head. He was just ready to have clothes that finally fit him. These did not and it was starting to become uncomfortable. Though he wasn't sure he woukd ever be truly comfortable if he wasn't wearing his leather armor. He wondered how he might convince Bel to let him wear it. Probably never.
He raised an eyebrow at Bel's suggestions. His face said do I look like someone that wears pink and purple? Because it was purple to him, just a different shade. He wasn't well versed in the names of all the colors. Didn't care too. But he only said, "I will wear whatever you think is right for me darling." And that was truth. Even if Bel bought him tye most ridiculous suit, he would wear it just to make him happy.
Bel smiles at Nico's subconscious reaction. "Please, you'll look just fine." He holds the lavender shirt up to Nico, and then switches it for the pink. It's not even overtly feminine, the color closer to dust then to a sugary sweet lollipop. Bel may love dressing up, but he's never been one to go for anything especially avant-garde. "I'll even pair it with black pants and a heavy coat if it makes you feel better." Being so high up in the mountains, Blakkast is well-accustomed to cold winters and chilly nights. They're lucky they arrived in the early crest of summer where the weather is particularly kind.
Bel hands Nico the two shirts along with his own outfit as he busies himself with finding a good pair of pants and a proper jacket. Knowing Nico, he would probably prefer a heavier coat with pockets and probably buckles. Something, well, more intense without having razor-sharp spikes and blades sticking out of the elbows. Bel doesn't even think Blakkast would sell things like that–wait, maybe– Bel shakes away the thought about pointy fashion choices as he finds a pair of trousers that look like they'd fit Nico well. And then he catches sight of a cropped black jacket, built wide and purposefully baggy. The pockets are sturdy yet fashionable, and Bel wastes no time picking it up.
Nico only smiled and took the clothes from him anyways. He did not think he was a pink guy but if Bel wanted him to have it he would. "Whatever you think is best." He bent his head and stole a kiss from him, sweet and short. "But just one outfit will not cover our stay here. Would you like to buy more or let the royal seamstree or whatever do the rest of our clothes." He didn't care about the money. He did care about being stuck in the same clothes everyday. He'd done it before while he'd been in the move and didn't particularly like it. At least not the smell that came with it.
Nico took the clothes from Bel like a dutiful husband. Well, fiance. He couldn't wait ti make it official. He wanted to be married as soon as possible. But he also wanted to give Bel the wedding he deserved. He didn't want to rush him. Lost in his own thoughts, he hadn't even realized Bel had found a jacket until it was handed to him.
"Hmm," Bel hums as Nico comes in to kiss him. "Well, we could always get more here. Or in any other shops if we'd like. Maybe see if the seamstress wants to make us some clothes. Something with the family crest." Because Blakkast feels far more like home than Araniel has ever. His cousins are kind and sociable, and while his uncle had been a particularly brooding and towering figure, he was never unkind. Plus, Blakkast is his mother's home. And Bel misses his mother dreadfully. Bel looks to Nico, piled beneath both of their clothes and never taking his eyes off Bel and oh. This is exactly what love is. "I want you to have the family crest. Not the one belonging to my father, but the one belonging to my mother."
Bel swallows whatever thick emotion is boiling in his throat and turns back to the clothing rack. He sorts quietly through the options, finding nice white shirts for themselves, a pair of royal blue pants that caught Bel's eye, and then a comfortable tan shirt with soft fleece on the inside. Bel scours the store once more, but can't find anything else he particularly loves. "Ready to leave?" He turns to Nico, trying not to giggle at the man buried beneath all of their clothes.
"We can keep looking," Nico said as he pulled away from the short kiss. "We're here to shop and look around. If something catches our eye we'll get it. If not, we can speak with the seamstress." He wasn't all too worried about it. A few pairs of clothes and he was good to go. Thoigh he knew Bel wouldn't be so satisfied. The prince likely had a full wardrobe at the palace, and maybe even a second closet with his overstock. His fiancé liked pretty things and he would indulge in it. He would buy him anything he wanted, if only to keep him happy. Nico saw the look Bel was giving him and he woukd have reached out his hand to touch him had it not been for all the clothes he was holding.
His breath caught in his throat and he didn't know how to respond. Not in a bad way but because he was so overwhelmed with love that he couldn't form words. He took the clothes the Bel found next, adding them to pile, and then he set them aside on a table. He prowled towards Bel, gripped his cheeks with both hands, and pulled him into a passionate kiss. He didn't care who saw. If they were smart, they'd leave them alone. "I will wear your family crest," he murmured against his lips.
Bel's breath catches in his throat as Nico sets their items down and brings him in for a kiss. Eventually they do pull away, Bel now breathing heavily and staring right into Nico's blue eyes. Nico will wear his family crest. Nico will wear it because he will be Bel's husband. Gods, his heart plummets and swells and tightens. "I'll show it to you. The original crest. It hangs in the throne room, above the throne." Where his cousin reigns below it. Sella is optimistic, sociable, kind, many things her father was not. Many things Bel's mother was. It'll only be a short matter of time before they've reclaimed Araniel. Perhaps they'll hang the crest above the suffocating throne where Bel's father has ruled. Maybe that will air the room out, clean it of its poisons.
Bel smiles, resting his head against Nico's collarbone. "We should probably leave before they yell at us." That causes him to laugh a little, finally pulling away and gathering an amount of the clothes to drape over his arm. They approach the counter, the young woman behind it raising an eyebrow. They're the only patrons in the entire shop. Of course she probably saw all of it. "We'll, um, take all of this." Bel gestures sheepishly to the pile he sets on the counter.
Nico's chest raised and fell, indicating his heavy breathing. The kiss had left him ragged and gasping for air. He would wear Bel's crest with pride. He would hang banners everywhere and perhaps add a few of his mother's as well. He woukd rid his kingdom of the stench of Bel's father. All would be well in time. "We'll go look at it together. And then we'll get it stitched into every piece of clothing I have." He meant it. He would even put it on his undergarments if Bel let him. He kissed the top of his head. Maybe it woukd be better if they went back to the palace. He wanted to spend the rest of his afternoon just kissing and holding Bel.
"Probably," he murmured into the top of his head. He placed his hand on his back, following Bel as they went to counter and placed their things on the counter. He didn't balk at the woman's expression. He only pulled out his coin and paid for their things. Then he took rhe bags in one hand and took Bel's hand in the other. "Is there anywhere else you would like to go my love? More clothing? Accessories?"
"I'll even get us customized bathrobes," Bel says, the smile toying at his lips suggesting that he's only half serious. To be honest, Bel only remembers about what half of the crest looks like. It's a soft blue color with white coated around the curved and pointed shield. There's a woman portrayed in the same white in the middle, standing tall with a blade pointed towards the dirt. Bel vaguely remembers flowers around her curled hair and some symbols beneath her feet, but he can't see them clearly enough in his mind's eye to say anything with confidence. After all, he was only barely conscious when Nico dragged him through the throne room and to the infirmary.
The woman quietly nods and accepts the payment, counting out their change before handing it back to Nico. "Have a nice day," she says, though it's obvious it's a customer service script. Bel smiles and thanks her, going to grab some of the bags, but Nico has already hauled all of them into his own arm. They leave the shop, walking hand-in-hand out the the morning market, well, now turning into the pre-afternoon one. Bel doesn't even feel like they've been out long. It must be ten-thirty or so.
Not wanting to overload himself, Bel shakes his head. "We have enough for today and tomorrow. We can always come back. We'll be in Blakkast for a few months, right? We'll have more than enough time to shop." He smiles and tightens the grip he has on Nico's hand. They'll be here, in the place that's felt more like home than his own, for a few months. Hell, they might even have the chance to get married here. The thought is thrilling and terrifying.
